Pakistan has committed to release soldier Chandu Chavan, says Bhamre

News Crab
2017-01-12 15:07:38
View source
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician, Subhash Ramrao Bhamre takes the oath during the swearing-in ceremony of new ministers following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet re-shuffle, at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on July 5, 2016.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revamped his cabinet on July 5 bringing in 19 new junior ministers to speed up decision-making and delivery on promises made in this year's budget. / AFP PHOTO / Prakash SINGH

MUMBAI: Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre on Thursday said that the Pakistan military authorities have committed to the release Indian soldier Chandu Chavan, who inadvertently strayed across the border last year.

“They (Pakistan) have conceded that Chandu Chavan is alive, and that they will soon discharge him after request, which is nearing finishing,” Bhamre said after the release of second Scorpene class submarine Khanderi, at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in south Mumbai.

“We are attempting at the level of DGMO (Director General of Military Operations), to secure his release. In this way, the DGMO has addressed their Pakistan partner no less than 15 to 20 times,” the pastor said.

“The last time such talks occurred was two days back. They (Pakistan) said that the request is getting over and Chandu Chavan will soon be discharged,” he said.

Unexpectedly, Chavan hails from Bhamre’s Lok Sabha voting demographic. “I have been in customary touch with his family,” the minister said.

On September 30 a year ago, Chavan had accidentally traversed to the opposite side of the Line of Control.